This view of the Owner's Manual contains the very latest information, which may vary slightly from the printed Owner's Manual originally provided with your vehicle. It may also describe content that is not on or operates differently on your vehicle. Please consider the Owner's Manual originally provided with your vehicle as the primary source of information for your vehicle.
The information contained in this publication was correct at the time of release.In the interest of continuous development, we reserve the right to change specifications, design or equipment at any time without notice or obligation.No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, stored in a retrieval system or translated into any language in any form by any means without our written permission.Errors and omissions excepted.
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Essential Towing Checks
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
- Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has covered at least 1,000 mi (1,600 km). See Breaking-In.
- Consult your local motor vehicle laws for towing a trailer.
- See the instructions included with towing accessories for the correct installation and adjustment specifications.
- Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. See Scheduled Maintenance.
- If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions the rental agency gives you.
Refer to Load Carrying for load specification terms found on the tire label, Safety Compliance label and instructions on calculating your vehicle's maximum load. See
Load Limit.
Remember to account for the trailer tongue weight as part of your vehicle load when calculating the total vehicle weight.
Trailer Towing Connector (If Equipped)
Your vehicle is fitted with both a 7 pin and 4 pin trailer wiring connector.
When attaching the trailer wiring connector to your vehicle, only use a correctly fitting connector that works with the vehicle and trailer functions. Some seven-position connectors may have the SAE J2863 logo, which confirms that it is the correct wiring connector and works correctly with your vehicle.
| Color | Function |
|---|---|
| Yellow | Left turn signal and brake lamp. |
| White | Ground (-). |
| Blue | Electric brakes. |
| Green | Right turn signal and brake lamp. |
| Orange | Battery (+). |
| Brown | Running lamps. |
| Grey | Reverse lamps. |
Tow Hitch
WARNING:
Do not exceed the lowest rating capacity for your vehicle or trailer hitch. Overloading your vehicle or trailer hitch can impair your vehicle stability and handling. Failure to follow this instruction could result in the loss of control of your vehicle, personal injury or death.
WARNING:
Do not cut, drill, weld or modify the trailer hitch. Modifying the trailer hitch could reduce the hitch rating. |
Do not use a tow hitch that either clamps on to the bumper or attaches to the axle. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that between 10% and 15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
Weight Distributing Hitches
A weight distribution hitch is not recommended for use with your vehicle.
Safety Chains
Always connect the safety chains to the frame or hook retainers of your vehicle's tow hitch.
To connect the safety chains, cross the chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough slack for turning tight corners. Do not allow the chains to drag on the ground.
Note:
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer Brakes (If Equipped)
|
WARNING:
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly to your vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase. |
Electric, manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are safe if you install them correctly and adjust them to the manufacturer's specifications. Trailer brakes must meet local and federal regulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's braking system operation is at the gross vehicle weight rating, not the gross combined weight rating.
Separate functioning brake systems are required for safe control of towed vehicles and trailers weighing more than
1,500 lb (680 kg) when loaded.
Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
|
WARNING:
Use the integrated trailer brake controller to properly adjust the trailer brakes and check all connections before towing a trailer. Failure to follow this instruction could result in the loss of control of your vehicle, personal injury or death. |
A Gain adjustment buttons.B Manual control lever. |
When used correctly, the trailer brake controller assists in smooth and effective trailer braking by powering the trailer’s electric or electric-over-hydraulic brakes with a proportional output based on the towing vehicle’s brake pressure
Slide the manual control lever to the left to turn on the trailer's electric brakes. They work independently of the tow vehicle's braking system. See Procedure for Adjusting the Gain Setting for instructions on correct use of this feature. If you use the manual control while the brake is also applied, the greater of the two inputs determines the power sent to the trailer brakes.
- Press the + and - buttons to adjust the brake controller's power output to the trailer brakes in 0.5 increments. You can increase the gain setting to 10 (maximum trailer braking) or decrease it to zero (no trailer braking). Pressing and holding a button raises or lowers the setting continuously.
The gain setting displays in the information display as:
| Message |
|---|
Trailer Brake |
Gain: |
Note:
Using the manual control lever illuminates the trailer's brake lamps and your vehicle's brake lamps, except the center high-mounted brake lamp, if you make the correct electrical connection to the trailer.
The controller shows gain setting, output bar graph and the trailer connectivity status in the information display as follows:
| Message | Action and Description |
|---|---|
Trailer Brake | Displays the current gain setting during a given ignition cycle and when adjusting the gain setting. This also displays if you use the manual control lever or make gain adjustments with no trailer connected. |
Gain: | |
No Trailer | |
Trailer Brake | Displays when you press your vehicle's brake pedal, or upon use of the manual control lever. Bar indicators illuminate in the information display to indicate the amount of power going to the trailer brakes relative to the brake pedal or manual control input. One bar indicates the least amount of output; six bars indicate maximum output. |
Gain: | |
Output: | |
| Trailer Connected | Displays when the system senses a correct trailer wiring connection during a given ignition cycle. For example a trailer with electric trailer brakes. |
Trailer Disconnected | Displays when the system senses a trailer connection and then a disconnection, either intentional or unintentional, during a given ignition cycle, this is accompanied by a single audible tone. It also displays if a vehicle or trailer-wiring fault occurs causing the trailer to appear disconnected. This message can also display if you use the manual control lever without a trailer connected. |
Procedure for Adjusting the Gain Setting
The gain setting sets the trailer brake controller for the specific towing condition. You should change the setting as towing conditions change. Changes to towing conditions include trailer load, vehicle load, road conditions and weather.
The gain should be set to provide the maximum trailer braking assistance while making sure the trailer wheels do not lock when using the brakes. Locked trailer wheels may lead to trailer instability.
Note:
Only carry out this procedure in a traffic-free environment at speeds of approximately 20-25 mph (30-40 km/h).
- Make sure the trailer brakes are in good working condition, functioning normally and correctly adjusted. See a trailer dealer if necessary.
- Hook up the trailer and make the electrical connections according to the trailer manufacturer's instructions.
- Use the gain adjustment + and - buttons to increase or decrease the gain setting to the desired starting point. A gain setting of six is a good starting point for heavier loads.
- In a traffic-free environment, tow the trailer on a dry, level surface at a speed of 20-25 mph (30-40 km/h) and slide the manual control lever completely.
- If the trailer wheels lock, indicated by squealing tires, reduce the gain setting. If the trailer wheels turn freely, increase the gain setting. Repeat steps four and five until the gain setting is at a point just below trailer wheel lock. If towing a heavier trailer, trailer wheel lock may not be attainable even with the maximum gain setting of 10.
System Warning Messages
| Message | Action and Description |
|---|---|
Trailer Brake Module Fault | Displays in response to faults sensed by the trailer brake controller, accompanied by a single tone. If this message appears, contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible for diagnosis and repair. The controller may still function, but performance may be degraded. |
Wiring Fault on Trailer | Displays when there is a short circuit on the electric brake output wire. If the message displays, accompanied by a single tone, with no trailer connected, the problem is with your vehicle wiring between the trailer brake controller and the 7-pin connector. If the message only displays with a trailer connected, the problem is with the trailer wiring. Consult a trailer dealer for assistance. This can be a short to ground, for example a chaffed wire, short to voltage, for example a pulled pin on trailer emergency breakaway battery or the trailer brakes may be drawing too much current. |
Note:
An authorized dealer can diagnose the trailer brake controller to determine exactly which trailer fault has occurred. However, the Ford Warranty does not cover this diagnosis if the fault is with the trailer.
Points to Remember
- Do not attempt removal of the trailer brake controller without consulting the Workshop Manual. Damage to the unit may result.
- Adjust gain setting before using the trailer brake controller for the first time.
- Adjust gain setting, using the procedure above, whenever road, weather and trailer or vehicle loading conditions change from when the gain was initially set.
- Only use the manual control lever for correct adjustment of the gain during trailer setup. Misuse, such as application during trailer sway, could cause instability of trailer or tow vehicle.
- Avoid towing in adverse weather conditions. The trailer brake controller does not provide anti-lock control of the trailer wheels. Trailer wheels can lock up on slippery surfaces, resulting in instability of trailer or tow vehicle.
- The trailer brake controller is fitted with a feature that reduces output at vehicle speeds below 11 mph (18 km/h) so trailer and vehicle braking is not jerky or harsh. This feature is only available when applying the brakes using your vehicle's brake pedal, not the controller.
- The controller interacts with the brake control system and powertrain control system of your vehicle to provide the best performance on different road conditions.
- Your vehicle's brake system and the trailer brake system work independently of each other. Changing the gain setting on the controller does not affect the operation of your vehicle's brake system whether you attach a trailer or not.
- When you switch the engine off, the controller output is disabled and the display and module shut down. The controller module and display turn on when you switch the ignition on.
- The trailer brake controller is only a factory-installed or dealer-installed item. Ford is not responsible for warranty or performance of the controller due to misuse or customer installation.
Trailer Lamps
|
WARNING:
Never connect any trailer lamp wiring to the vehicle's tail lamp wiring; this may damage the electrical system resulting in fire. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible for assistance in proper trailer tow wiring installation. Additional electrical equipment may be required. |
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running lamps, brake lamps, turn signals and hazard warning lamps are working.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing up to get the feel of your vehicle-trailer combination before starting on a trip. When turning, make wider turns so the trailer wheels clear curbs and other obstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
- Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) until you drive your vehicle at least 495 mi (800 km). See Breaking-In.
- Do not make full-throttle starts.
- Check the tow hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughly after you have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
- When stopped in congested or heavy traffic during hot weather, place the gearshift in position park (P) to aid engine and transmission cooling and to help A/C performance.
- Turn off the speed control with heavy loads or on hilly terrain. The speed control may turn off automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
- Shift to a lower gear when driving down a long or steep hill. Do not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become less effective.
- If the transmission is fitted with a Grade Assist, Tow/Haul feature, use this feature when towing. This provides engine braking and helps eliminate excessive transmission shifting for optimum fuel economy and transmission cooling.
- If your vehicle is fitted with AdvanceTrac with roll stability control (RSC), this system may turn on during typical cornering maneuvers with a heavily loaded trailer. This is normal. Turning the corner at a slower speed while towing may reduce this tendency.
- If you are towing a trailer frequently in hot weather, hilly conditions, at the gross combined weight rating (or any combination of these factors), consider refilling your vehicle's rear axle with synthetic gear lubricant (if the axle is not already filled with it). See Capacities and Specifications.
- Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
- Avoid parking on a grade. However, if you must park on a grade:Turn the steering wheel to point your vehicle tires away from traffic flow.Set your vehicle parking brake.Place the automatic transmission in position park (P).Place wheel chocks in front of and at the back of the trailer wheels. (Trailer wheel chocks are not included with your vehicle.)
Launching or Retrieving a Boat or Personal Water Craft (PWC)
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval:- Do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of the rear bumper.
- Do not allow waves to break higher than 6 in (15 cm) above the bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Note:
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer into the water.
Note:
Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the trailer is removed from the water.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter vehicle components:- Causing internal damage to the components.
- Affecting driveability, emissions, and reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant anytime the rear axle has been submerged in water. Water may have contaminated the rear axle lubricant, which is not normally checked or changed unless a leak is suspected or other axle repair is required.